The Future Sustainability Leaders (FSL) programme by Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) at Masdar is a free, year-long leadership programme for university students and young professionals aged 19-35. Each cycle starts at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January, and applications for the 2027 cycle close on 30 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official programme page so the eligibility rules, structure and application steps are all in one place.
What the Future Sustainability Leaders Programme Is
FSL is a year-long programme that connects university students and young professionals with global business leaders, policymakers and technology pioneers, so they can learn the latest sustainability best practices. If you are new to this format, our guide explains what a fellowship is and how it differs from a scholarship, and you can browse more fellowships on Youth Works Hub.
The programme provides core knowledge, skills training, work experience and networking through events that take place over a 12-month period. Through it, participants learn about the future outlook of the sustainability agenda and understand better how to contribute to the implementation of the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Objectives of the Programme
🎯 Leadership skills: Equip participants with the soft skills and technical knowledge required for leadership in sustainability and climate action
🔀 Virtual and in-person mix: Combine virtual and in-person activities, curated programmes and community-led initiatives to boost social skills and foster a sense of responsibility
🌍 Real-world impact: Encourage meaningful impact and the practical application of sustainability concepts across professional and personal journeys
When the Programme Starts and How Long It Lasts
🗓️ Start: Each cycle begins at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the region's largest sustainability gathering, held every January in Abu Dhabi
⏳ Duration: 12 months, and you need to commit your time across the whole period
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with virtual series and events throughout the year
💶 Cost: Free of charge. You will never be asked to pay anything related to Y4S or to participate in the programme
Who Can Apply
FSL is open to university students and young professionals aged 19-35.
🎂 Age: 19-35
🛂 Status: You need to be either a UAE national or an international student
🎓 Education: Hold an undergraduate degree, or be pursuing one, at an accredited institution (open to all majors)
🗣️ Language: Excellent spoken English
You do not need to be based in the UAE to take part. Past participants have joined from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Paraguay and Lesotho, among others.
How the Programme Is Structured
The programme is an integrated series of online activities, events and forums, including but not limited to the following parts.
🤝 Mentorship Programme: One-on-one mentoring connects emerging sustainability leaders with industry experts and business executives, with guidance that accelerates skills development, strengthens leadership capabilities and supports long-term career growth in the global sustainability landscape
💼 Talent Connect: Together with the career dialogues series, it prepares young people for the job market by connecting participants with industry leaders, building career readiness and creating direct pathways to internships and entry-level opportunities
🎤 Events and Engagements: The Y4S Annual Forum & Hub plus local and international events connect youth, leaders and partners to exchange ideas and shape the sustainability agenda. The programme also delivers the Sustainability Leadership Series, with targeted learning experiences across key sustainability themes
🧪 Innovation Lab: Through Out-of-Labs, an innovation challenge, Future Sustainability Leaders develop practical solutions with mentorship, learning and the chance to pitch their ideas to industry leaders
Roles and Responsibilities of a Future Sustainability Leader
📆 Attend throughout the year: You need to attend all virtual series and engagements during the year, such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
🛠️ Choose a track: You also need to participate in either the Out-of-Labs or the Talent Connect programme
What Past Participants Say
Participants from earlier cycles describe the programme as a place to build confidence, networks and practical projects. Yousef Alfardan (FSL 2025) valued the Y4S Forum during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, where he connected with like-minded people and joined an exclusive discussion with high-level delegates on strategic plans to combat climate change.
Abdullah Alsuwaidi (FSL 2024) said the programme gave him the confidence to represent youth in global forums as a UN youth delegate. Reem Al Mansoori (FSL 2024) represented youth as part of Masdar at COP29 in Baku and developed proposals on water desalination, waste management and water scarcity. Opeyemi Ajala (FSL 2024) worked in a team of five on "Blue Quest", an AI-driven decision-making platform for reverse osmosis desalination plants, and presented it at the Y4S Forum. Zein Altawil (FSL 2023) said the programme was instrumental in launching his sustainable startup Yello.
How to Apply
Registration opens every year in September and stays open until 30 November. Candidate selections are announced in January: for example, if you apply in September 2026, you are notified about your application in January 2027.
Applicants submit a video and a personal statement explaining why they want to be part of the programme, as well as a few personal questions. For tips on the written part, see our guide on how to write a motivation letter for a scholarship or fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Future Sustainability Leaders programme start and how much time will I need?
The programme begins at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January and spans 12 months. You need to commit your time for the whole period.
Do I need to be based in the UAE to participate?
No. You do not need to be based in the UAE, and the programme has had international participants from many countries, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Colombia and Italy.
Who is eligible?
University students and young professionals aged 19-35 who are UAE nationals or international students. You need to hold an undergraduate degree or be pursuing one at an accredited institution, in any major, and have excellent spoken English.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Future Sustainability Leader?
You attend all virtual series and engagements throughout the year, such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and you participate in either the Out-of-Labs or the Talent Connect programme.
How much does it cost?
The programme is free of charge. You will never be asked to pay anything related to Y4S or to take part in the programme.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Programme page and application: https://y4s.ae/en/programs/future-sustainability-leaders-program
📧 Contact: y4S@masdar.ae
